Science World Explores Sports Science in Greater Victoria Schools

The intersection of sports and science is gaining attention in classrooms across Greater Victoria, as Science World launches its new travelling program, The Science of Sport. This initiative will make nine stops in the region from October 6-10, 2023, with several visits scheduled for Sooke. Aimed at elementary students, the program combines live demonstrations with interactive challenges to illustrate how energy, forces, health, and technology influence the games children already love.

The unveiling of this program comes as excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Using soccer as a focal point, the Vancouver-based science centre has crafted a presentation that explores the physics behind sports equipment, the impact of exercise on health, and the advancements in technology, such as prosthetic running blades and clap skates.

Stefano Giullianetti, the manager of outreach programs at Science World, noted that the project has been in development for nearly a year. “We’ve been at this since last October, starting with consultations with industry professionals like Soccer BC and the Sports Hall of Fame, as well as professors at UBC and SFU, and piloting to public audiences and teachers,” he explained. Giullianetti emphasized the aim of the program is to create a meaningful connection between science and sport, designed to engage young learners.

“We approached this from a scientific perspective, hoping to best represent the large concepts of both science and sport with the goal to spark curiosity in both subjects,” he added. The initiative reflects a commitment to enriching educational experiences by highlighting the connections between these two fields.

The program is part of Science World’s long-standing On the Road initiative, which has been delivering free, curriculum-linked presentations to schools since 1988. Funded in part by the provincial government, The Science of Sport aims to reach over 100 schools and 22,000 students during the 2025-26 school year, with a particular focus on rural, remote, and underserved communities.

While specific details regarding the schools to be visited in Greater Victoria have not yet been released, Giullianetti assured that the tour is strategically planned to balance new requests with return visits. For many students, this fall will not only involve physical activity but also an engaging exploration of the scientific principles that underpin their favorite sports.